What occurs during a stall at critical angle of attack?

A stall at the critical angle of attack is characterized by a significant loss of lift, which occurs due to airflow separation over the wings. When the aircraft exceeds the critical angle of attack, the smooth flow of air over the wing is disrupted, causing the air to separate from the wing surface. This separation results in a dramatic reduction in the wing's ability to generate lift, as the high-pressure air below the wing can no longer counteract the low-pressure area on top. Hence, the aircraft can no longer maintain level flight and may subsequently begin to descend or fall into a stall condition.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for pilots, as recognizing the signs of an impending stall and knowing how to manage the aircraft's angle of attack can help prevent loss of control. Awareness of stall characteristics is an essential part of flight training and safety practices.